The Doklam Standoff: An Indian Perspective on the Tri-junction Crisis

The Doklam standoff between India, China, and Bhutan in 2017 brought the three nations to the brink of a major military conflict. The crisis was triggered by a territorial dispute at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, which has broader implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Doklam standoff from an Indian perspective, examining the historical context, the events leading up to the crisis, and the subsequent diplomatic resolution. Furthermore, the post will explore the lessons learned from the standoff and its implications for future India-China relations and regional security.

I. The historical context of the Doklam dispute

To understand the Doklam standoff, it is essential to delve into the historical context of the territorial disputes in the region.

1. British colonial legacy: The India-China border disputes, including the Doklam issue, can be traced back to the colonial era when British India negotiated border agreements with China and its neighbors. The McMahon Line, established by the 1914 Simla Convention, sought to define the borders between British India, China, and Tibet. However, China refused to accept the agreement, leading to unresolved border disputes with both India and Bhutan.
2. Sino-Indian War of 1962: The unresolved border disputes between India and China culminated in the Sino-Indian War of 1962. While the war primarily took place in the eastern sector of the border (Arunachal Pradesh) and the western sector (Aksai Chin), it intensified the territorial disputes and mutual mistrust between the two countries.
3. The Bhutan-China border: Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, shares a 470-kilometer border with China, which remains disputed in several areas, including Doklam. Although Bhutan and China have held numerous rounds of border talks, they have yet to reach a formal agreement on their boundary.

II. The events leading up to the Doklam standoff

The Doklam standoff was triggered by a series of events in June 2017, which escalated tensions between India, China, and Bhutan.

1. Chinese road construction: In June 2017, China began constructing a road in the Doklam plateau, a disputed territory claimed by both China and Bhutan. China’s road construction was perceived as an attempt to alter the status quo in the disputed area and threatened Bhutan’s territorial integrity.
2. Bhutan’s response: Bhutan lodged a formal protest with China over the road construction and requested Indian assistance in preventing further Chinese encroachments in the area. India, which has a close relationship with Bhutan and a vested interest in maintaining regional stability, agreed to intervene.
3. Indian military intervention: On June 18, 2017, Indian troops crossed into the Doklam plateau to prevent the Chinese road construction, leading to a face-off between Indian and Chinese forces. The standoff continued for over two months, with both sides reinforcing their positions and engaging in a war of words through diplomatic channels and the media.

III. The diplomatic resolution of the Doklam standoff

The Doklam standoff was ultimately resolved through diplomatic means, with both India and China agreeing to de-escalate tensions and disengage their forces.

1. Backchannel diplomacy: Throughout the standoff, India and China engaged in backchannel diplomacy to prevent further escalation and explore options for a peaceful resolution. While public statements from both sides remained confrontational, these private discussions laid the groundwork for a negotiated settlement.
2. The BRICS Summit: The 9th BRICS Summit, held in Xiamen, China, in September 2017, provided a critical platform for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to engage in face-to-face discussions and address the ongoing crisis. The summit played a crucial role in facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the standoff.

3. The disengagement agreement: On August 28, 2017, India and China announced an agreement to disengage their forces from the Doklam plateau. The agreement stipulated that Indian troops would withdraw from the area, while China would halt its road construction activities. The mutual disengagement was completed on September 5, 2017, bringing an end to the standoff.

IV. Lessons learned and implications for the future

The Doklam standoff serves as an important case study in understanding the dynamics of India-China relations, regional security, and the potential for future conflicts.

1. The importance of diplomacy: The diplomatic resolution of the Doklam standoff underscores the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in preventing and resolving conflicts between India and China. Both countries must prioritize diplomatic engagement and communication to address their outstanding disputes and prevent future crises.
2. The role of third parties: The involvement of Bhutan in the Doklam standoff highlights the role that smaller regional actors can play in shaping the dynamics of India-China relations. Both India and China must consider the interests and concerns of their neighbors in formulating their policies and actions in the region.
3. India’s strategic interests: The Doklam standoff brought to the fore India’s strategic interests in the region, particularly its concerns about Chinese encroachments along its borders and the potential impact on regional security. India’s intervention in Doklam reflects its commitment to preserving its territorial integrity and maintaining regional stability.
4. The balance of power in the Indo-Pacific: The Doklam standoff has broader implications for the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, as it demonstrated India’s willingness and ability to challenge China’s assertiveness. The standoff serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for conflicts to arise from unresolved territorial disputes.

V. Conclusion

The Doklam standoff was a significant event in the history of India-China relations, highlighting the unresolved territorial disputes and strategic concerns that continue to shape their interactions. The diplomatic resolution of the crisis underscores the importance of dialogue, communication, and diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflicts between the two countries.

As India and China continue to rise as global powers, it is crucial for both nations to address their outstanding issues and work towards building trust and confidence in their relationship. The Doklam standoff serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict to arise from unresolved disputes, and the need for continued diplomatic engagement to maintain regional stability and prevent future crises.

In the broader context of the Indo-Pacific region, the Doklam standoff highlights the delicate balance of power and the importance of maintaining a stable and peaceful regional order. India, China, and other regional actors must work together to address their shared challenges and promote cooperation, rather than confrontation, in the pursuit of a prosperous and secure future for all.